Posters

Introduction Early geriatrician involvement in trauma care supports comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and improves outcomes. National workforce constraints mean this specialist input must be targeted to patients most likely to benefit. We undertook a mixed methods service evaluation of a geriatric medicine in-reach service at a major trauma centre to map clinical activity and obtain multidisciplinary (MDT) feedback. Methods We undertook a retrospective mixed methods evaluation of all patients reviewed by the geriatric in-reach team between March and June 2025. Cases were identified from

Introduction: People aged over 65 who take anticoagulants commonly present to the Emergency Department (ED) for assessment following a head injury. It is well documented that prolonged ED stays are associated with increased complications and morbidity particularly in older people with frailty. This audit aims to quantify the experience of people undergoing assessment in ED following a head injury. Methods: This retrospective audit reviewed people presenting to EDs over a 3-month period. People included were aged 65+, taking anticoagulants, who underwent a CT scan for head injury. Data

Introduction Clock Drawing Tests (CDTs) are an integral part of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments (CGAs). It is a brief, validated screening tool that assesses multiple cognitive domains. Studies have shown CDT performance is valuable in identifying early cognitive impairment, later functional decline and need for higher levels of care. Our quality improvement project (QIP) focused on evaluating the use of CDTs within CGAs completed by the Geriatric team at Royal Gwent Hospital (RGH). By identifying if CDTs are being used and the barriers to their application, we can implement strategies to

Introduction In our hospital, management of spinal fractures in older adults are led by external neurosurgical services. Decisions often prioritise imaging characteristics over patient characteristics. Challenges include conducting low-yield imaging such as MRIs, prolonged immobilisation, delayed decision-making reliant on digital communication and bracing complications. This audit evaluated whether collaborative, patient-centred decision-making between geriatricians, orthopaedics and therapists who are familiar with the spinal pathway improved length of stay and resource utilisation. Methods

Introduction: Antipsychotics in dementia are associated with higher risks of a wide range of serious health outcomes. Bradford is a national outlier in antipsychotic prescribing with 14.9% of dementia patients prescribed antipsychotics in March 2024 compared to 9% across England. Understanding and addressing the overuse of antipsychotics in BPSD is a priority for the Trust and the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (WYICB). Method: This 12-month quantitative service development project involved 78 care homes across Bradford District and Craven. Residents meeting deprescribing criteria were

Introduction: Many antipsychotics contribute to anticholinergic side effects, including confusion, cognitive decline, and increased dementia risk. Reducing antipsychotics in behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) may lower these risks and is a priority in Bradford District and Craven. Method: Care home residents taking antipsychotics for BPSD were identified by a mental health nurse in conjunction with care home staff in a larger yearlong deprescribing project. Appropriate residents were enrolled into a deprescribing protocol. The deprescribing regime was communicated to

Introduction: Understanding why Bradford is a national outlier in antipsychotic prescribing in dementia is a priority for the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (WYICB). Following a successful deprescribing project in 36 care homes in 2024/25—where 60% of antipsychotics were discontinued—it became evident that better understanding of carer attitudes was needed. Engagement with deprescribing varied across care homes, and carers’ attitudes appeared to influence deprescribing success. Method: A qualitative study was designed to explore carer attitude and influence. Interviews were conducted

Background Silver trauma is an increasingly common presentation within the Emergency Department (ED) especially in rural locations with an ageing population. Such patients often present with lower mechanisms of injury leading to under recognition of significant trauma and injuries in ED, and therefore inappropriate admission to medical wards. Aim To examine silver trauma patients presenting to a district general ED and determine whether injuries are under recognised on initial assessment. A silver trauma bundle was proposed to aid recognition and management of these patients in ED. Methods

Background Falls are a common reason for Emergency Department (ED) attendance in older adults and are closely associated with frailty, functional decline, and recurrent healthcare utilisation. The Emergency Department in the Home (EDITH) service delivers acute medical and occupational therapy (OT) assessment in the person’s home, aiming to avoid unnecessary hospital attendance. Embedded OT assessment within EDITH provides a valuable opportunity to review underlying falls risks within the home environment, even when falls are not the primary reason for referral. This audit reviews OT

Background: The Emergency Department in the Home (EDITH) service delivers urgent medical and occupational therapy (OT) assessment and intervention within older adults’ homes, offering alternatives to hospital conveyance. Falls account for approximately 22% of monthly referrals to EDITH. From an OT perspective, alignment with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Falls Guidelines 2025 is essential for comprehensive falls management. This review assesses EDITH practice against four OT-relevant quality markers: frailty assessment, home environment assessment, cognitive

Method Patients aged over 65 with moderate (Injury Severity Score ISS > 9) or major trauma (Injury Severity Score ISS >15) admitted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, had a Clinical Frailty Score (CFS) recorded within their rehabilitation documentation. Scores were assigned by trauma coordinators, Emergency Department clinicians, or the Frailty Team. Data were collated in an MTC patient spreadsheet, and entries from 2025 were extracted and analysed. Results Initial analysis showed 213 patients were on North of Scotland MTC pathway over the 12 month period, 82 were over 65 years old

Introduction: This process mapping compared the ED journey of patients aged ≥65 years with those <65 years presenting to the Royal Sussex County Hospital (RSCH), the Major Trauma Centre for Sussex. Methods: We conducted a retrospective snapshot audit of adult trauma patients (stratified into ≥65 and <65 year groups) presenting to RSCH ED September–October 2025. Eligible cases were identified via the local Trauma Database (Panda). Comparative statistical analysis was performed using Welch’s ANOVA. Results: Ninety patients were included (45 aged over 65 years; 45 aged under 65 years). Older

INTRODUCTION: Collateral history is a vital component of comprehensive geriatric assessment. Accurate and structured information from relatives or carers is essential for safe and effective clinical decision-making. This project aimed to evaluate how consistently collateral histories are obtained for older individuals and whether all essential components are documented. METHOD: The first cycle was conducted in November–December 2024 and included 30 patients. A structured collateral history proforma was used to collect data under the headings: A – Ask what happened; B – Baseline; C – Carers

Introduction Data from the Trauma Audit & Research Network (TARN) show that older adults now represent the majority of trauma admissions with frailty associated with an increased 30-day mortality. TARN highlights inequalities in care for patients aged >60 years, including delayed surgery and reduced senior input. This quality improvement project assessed whether older trauma patients receive a structured and thorough Emergency Department (ED) assessment in line with the HECTOR pro forma. Method A retrospective review of patients aged >65 years (n=50) presenting to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Background Older adults admitted under General Surgery, particularly with head injury or rib fractures, commonly live with frailty and complex needs. Early Care of the Elderly (COTE) involvement enables comprehensive geriatric assessment and reduces avoidable harm, yet referrals are inconsistent and poorly targeted. Aim To assess and improve (1) referral of older general surgical inpatients who met locally agreed COTE criteria, and (2) alignment of referrals with those criteria. Methods Two retrospective audit cycles of General Surgery admissions aged ≥65 years at Tunbridge Wells Hospital were

Complications arising from head injuries obtained during falls, particularly intracranial bleeds (ICBs), are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older people. For older adults, the most common mechanism of injury leading to ICBs is falling, and up to 43% of those hospitalised for these fall-related bleeds experience long-term disability. This audit set out to determine the effect of adherence to local and national guidelines for older people with fall-related ICBs. We analysed clinical data pertaining to 84 people over the age of 65 (82.8 +- 8.50, 59.5% female) receiving care in the

Complications arising from head injuries obtained during falls, particularly intracranial bleeds (ICBs), are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older people. For older adults, the most common mechanism of injury leading to ICBs is falling, and up to 43% of those hospitalised for these fall-related bleeds iexperience long-term disability. This audit set out to determine the effect of adherence to local and national guidelines for older people with fall-related ICBs. We analysed clinical data pertaining to 84 people over the age of 65 (82.8 +- 8.50, 59.5% female) receiving care in the

Introduction Acute agitation is a common and challenging presentation among hospitalised older adults, often occurring in the context of delirium. While non-pharmacological strategies are first-line, antipsychotics or benzodiazepines may be required. However, these treatments carry significant risks, including falls, prolonged hospitalisation, and increased mortality. Guideline-concordant and legally compliant prescribing is therefore essential. At Royal Gwent Hospital, discrepancies between recommended practice and clinical care prompted a quality improvement project aimed at improving

Introduction The Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) report ‘Health in an Aging Society’ (2023) states there is a rise in the prevalence of age-related conditions, such as dementia. This requires medical school curricula to shift to encompass a ‘new’ demographic within the modern NHS. Older Persons and Integrated Care (OPIC) was developed during a recent revision of the LMS curriculum to ensure local graduates are prepared for the realities of clinical practice, with the aim of improving graduates’ ability to recognise, assess and manage patients with dementia. Method OPIC is a six-week block

Introduction Management of fragility fractures was estimated to have cost the NHS £4.4 billion in 2022. As the incidence of fragility fracture is predicted to rise along with the increase in population over age 65 in the UK, primary prevention is a necessary avenue to reduce its economic, social, and environmental impacts. Current best practice in the UK suggests that any female aged over 65 and male over 75 is at high risk of osteoporosis and should be assessed for the need for prevention of fragility fractures, including a QFracture 10-year risk calculation. Management for those identified